Indonesia to Lead Gaza Stabilization Force: Prabowo Confirms Deputy Commander Role | ISF Deployment & Strategy

Indonesia to Serve as Deputy Commander of Gaza’s International Stabilization Force

Following a summit in Washington D.C. On February 19, 2026, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto confirmed that Indonesia will take on the role of Deputy Commander within the International Stabilization Force (ISF) deployed to Gaza.

“Yes, they asked us to be the deputy commander,” Prabowo said after attending the Board of Peace (BoP) Summit. “We will select the best personnel. This vision of real peace will be achieved. There will be obstacles, but we will win.”

The ISF, authorized by a UN Security Council resolution in November 2025, is designed to provide security in Gaza while gradually phasing out the Israel Defense Forces. The force is being led by U.S. Major General Jasper Jeffers.

Five Sectors, Five Brigades

Major General Jeffers outlined a phased deployment strategy, dividing the Gaza Strip into five operational sectors: Rafah, Khan Yunis, Deir el-Balah, Gaza City, and Northern Gaza. Each sector will be assigned one ISF brigade, with the Deputy Commander – now Indonesia – overseeing all five brigades and assisting Jeffers in managing the 20,000-strong force.

Initial Coalition of Nations

The first five nations to formally commit military personnel to the ISF are Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania. Egypt and Jordan will contribute by focusing exclusively on training the local Palestinian police force.

The medium-term strategy aims to expand the deployment sector by sector, with a long-term goal of 12,000 local police and 20,000 ISF troops on the ground.

Major General Jasper Jeffers: A Profile

Major General Jasper Jeffers III brings extensive experience in Middle East crisis management to the role. Commissioned in 1996, he served in the 75th Ranger Regiment during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He has commanded Airborne, Stryker, and Special Operations units and served as the Deputy Director for Special Operations and Counter-Terrorism on the Joint Staff.

Jeffers led a brigade in Iraq and Syria under Operation Inherent Resolve between 2016 and 2019 and was reportedly a key commander in the operation that led to the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Most recently, in late 2024, he chaired the implementation of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire in Beirut.

Domestic Concerns and Political Friction

While President Trump publicly praised Prabowo’s commitment, the decision to accept the Deputy Commander position has sparked debate within Indonesia. Some analysts have expressed concern that Indonesia risks being seen as a “subcontractor” for foreign interests, potentially compromising its “Free and Active” foreign policy doctrine.

Simon Hutagalung, a retired diplomat from the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, argued that joining a U.S.-led mission without a clear UN mandate could be detrimental to Indonesia’s sovereignty.

Despite these concerns, President Prabowo views the Deputy Commander role as a strategic opportunity to influence the peace process. “We are very optimistic with President Trump’s leadership. We know there will be many obstacles, but we will win,” he stated.

Jakarta’s Perspective: Green Lights and Gray Areas

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the plan for involvement in the ISF has received approval from Palestinian authorities. However, the Indonesian National Police news reported that the government has not yet announced a specific departure schedule or detailed implementation plans, including the operational mandate, length of assignment, and specific deployment locations.

The mission represents a significant test for the Prabowo presidency, balancing a commitment to peace with domestic concerns about sovereignty.

Indonesia has been preparing up to 8,000 troops for potential deployment, focusing on engineering and medical units, with a humanitarian focus on protecting civilians, providing medical assistance, and supporting reconstruction efforts.